11-03-2007, 03:56 PM
A 75-year-old female presents with concerns about a change in her sleep pattern. She notes that she awakens a few times each night and awakens early every morning. She has no current medical problems and is taking hormone replacement therapy and calcium for osteoporosis prevention. She is active during the day and reports no problems with daytime alertness. She lives with her husband, who has noted no snoring or abnormal nocturnal movements. She denies any depressive symptoms. Which of the following is the most appropriate step in managing this patient?
A. Prescription of a benzodiazepine
B. Prescription of an antidepressant
C. Ordering a sleep study
D. Advise the patient to use over-the-counter diphenhydramine
E. Reassurance
A. Prescription of a benzodiazepine
B. Prescription of an antidepressant
C. Ordering a sleep study
D. Advise the patient to use over-the-counter diphenhydramine
E. Reassurance